Women’s Employment on the Rise: Pune Leads with 178% Growth, Says Justdial Report

The participation of women in India’s urban workforce is witnessing a remarkable surge, according to a recent Justdial report. Between January and July 2025, searches for working women’s hostels across the country increased by 93% compared to the same period last year, highlighting growing female mobility and professional engagement. The trend reflects not only a rising workforce participation but also a shift toward independent living solutions that support career growth.

Pune, Bangalore, and Ernakulam Lead the Surge

City-wise data from Justdial reveals that Pune recorded the highest increase in demand for working women’s hostels at 178%, followed closely by Bangalore at 168% and Ernakulam at 109%. Other major cities such as Mumbai (89%), Delhi (89%), and Hyderabad (46%) also showed significant growth, although lower than the top three cities.

The report highlights that working women are increasingly relocating to key employment hubs, driving demand for safe, accessible, and community-oriented housing. This demand surge points toward an evolving urban workforce where women are taking more proactive steps to balance professional commitments with personal independence.

Men’s Hostel Searches Also on the Rise

While the focus has been on working women, searches for hostels for working men increased by 13% pan-India, indicating sustained relocation trends among male professionals as well. In the broader category, searches for women’s hostels rose by 61%, led by Delhi (+77%), Pune (+62%), and Ernakulam (+58%). Meanwhile, men’s hostels experienced a sharper increase of 97%, driven primarily by Pune (+180%), Delhi (+161%), and Bangalore (+130%).

These numbers suggest a wider trend among younger professionals seeking flexible, shared living arrangements that combine affordability, safety, and community engagement. Both women and men are gravitating toward accommodations that support career mobility, indicating a shift in how urban professionals view housing in relation to their work-life balance.

Pune Tops Both Categories

Pune stands out as a leader in this evolving scenario. Not only did the city record the highest growth for working women’s hostels at 178%, but it also saw a 180% increase in demand for men’s hostels. This dual surge highlights Pune’s position as a growing employment hub attracting talent from across India, particularly in technology, education, and emerging industries.

The significant occupancy increase underscores a critical shortage of housing solutions for working professionals, prompting industry observers and urban planners to consider expanding hostel infrastructure and services to meet demand.

Implications for Workforce Mobility and Entrepreneurship

The report also indicates an 8% year-on-year rise in women-led business listings (July 2025 vs July 2024), reflecting a growing trend in female entrepreneurship and economic participation. Women are not only seeking employment but are also taking active roles in establishing and managing businesses, contributing to the broader economy.

Despite these positive trends, challenges remain. The “State of Inclusion: Where We Stand 2025” report by Great Place to Work shows that women continue to comprise only 26% of the total Indian workforce, a figure unchanged for three consecutive years. This highlights persistent gender disparities and the need for targeted policies to encourage greater participation of women in the workforce.

Gender and Inclusion Trends Across Industries

Women currently represent the largest share of historically excluded groups (HEGs) in the workforce. Other categories, including persons with disabilities (PwDs), LGBTQIA+ employees, and veterans, remain significantly underrepresented. Industry-specific data reveals sharp contrasts:

• The IT sector leads in HEG representation, with women forming over 33% of the workforce.
• Manufacturing, production, and construction lag behind, showing minimal inclusion efforts for women and other HEGs.

These insights underscore the need for expanded diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives beyond the technology sector, ensuring that underrepresented groups have equal opportunities in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Housing Challenges for Working Professionals

The surge in hostel searches reflects a critical housing shortage for working professionals, particularly women. Cities like Pune, Bangalore, and Ernakulam are witnessing overwhelming demand, leading to occupancy challenges. The rise in shared and community-oriented living arrangements demonstrates a shift toward more flexible, supportive, and cost-effective housing solutions.

Urban planners, policymakers, and employers are increasingly recognizing that providing safe and accessible accommodations for working professionals, especially women, is vital for fostering economic participation and mobility. This trend also aligns with broader societal changes, where women are seeking independence and career advancement opportunities in major employment centers.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The Justdial data and supporting reports provide a comprehensive view of India’s evolving workforce landscape. As cities continue to attract young professionals, both employment opportunities and housing infrastructure will need to expand in tandem.

Key takeaways include:

• Rapid growth in women’s employment in cities like Pune, Bangalore, and Ernakulam.
• Rising demand for both women’s and men’s hostels, reflecting workforce mobility.
• Growth in women-led businesses, signaling entrepreneurship and economic contribution.
• Persistent gender gaps in overall workforce participation and industry representation.
• Urgent need for expanded DEIB initiatives and inclusive employment policies.

Conclusion

India’s urban workforce is undergoing a transformative shift, led by increasing female participation and mobility. Pune’s record 178% growth in working women’s hostel searches exemplifies the broader trend of women actively pursuing career opportunities and independent living. While challenges such as housing shortages and underrepresentation in key sectors remain, the rising numbers of women professionals and entrepreneurs indicate a positive trajectory toward gender equity and economic empowerment.